Committee assignments

2013-2014

Issues

Campaign themes

In a biographical submission to Ballotpedia, Stewart highlighted the following campaign themes:[1]

Jobs and the Economy: "We must fight inequality in Florida’s economic system and stand up for the hard-working men and women trying to get ahead. We need to work with Florida-based businesses to attract quality 21st Century jobs that protect and expand opportunities for the middle class. In order to do this, we must eliminate special interest sales and corporate tax loopholes to balance the budget while investing in public schools and creating a thriving environment attracting quality jobs. The intangible tax on the wealthiest Floridians, which ceased in 2006, must be reinstated. It is only fair that the wealthiest Floridians pay their share. We should work to make Florida a leader in renewable energy production, like solar power through incentives, and support small businesses that create the majority of jobs in our State."[1]

Education: "Florida’s legislature is failing our children... To prepare for the jobs of the future, our children must have access to a first class education from preschool to college. This has to be our top priority. If we don’t invest in education, Florida will never be able to attract the biomedical, research and development, and high tech jobs of the New Economy. As the mother of a school teacher, Linda Stewart knows the pressure our teachers are facing. The Legislature must provide teachers with the tools they need and increase teacher pay so that we can attract and keep the best and brightest teachers in our schools. While the FCAT serves as one indicator of state-wide educational performance, it must not be used as the sole method of assessing student and teacher achievement. Testing in this state should be used to diagnose areas for improvement. We do not need one high-stakes test that alone determines a student’s future, a school’s grade, and a teacher’s pay."[1]

Clean energy and environment: "Stewart is a steadfast advocate for clean energy and protecting Florida’s natural treasures. Preserving our land and water is one of government’s most essential roles. As House District 47’s representative, Linda will fight for smart growth policies balancing the needs of a growing population with the need to protect our green spaces and keep our land and water clean. The legislature must do more to restrict urban sprawl and incentivize building up instead of out. The Sunshine State has the capacity to lead when it comes to clean and renewable energies. Growing industries in bio-fuels and solar power are taking root in Florida and should be an economic development priority. Creating jobs for Floridians and leading the nation in green technology can go hand in hand. Central Florida can, and should, be a leading voice in strategies for growth that protect our environment and are on the cutting edge of reducing greenhouse emissions and fostering sustainable energy alternatives. Florida’s environmental policy should not only be crafted to preserve our ecosystems and jobs – it should be designed to create new industries."

Green technology: "Green technologies and advancements that create greater efficiency will be crucial to our growth, and it is in our state and national interest to begin extricating ourselves from reliance on foreign oil and fossil fuels. Stewart will fight against any efforts to drill for oil near Florida’s pristine beaches and waterways. While reasonable oil exploration is necessary, Florida’s world-famous coastline is critical to our quality of life and our vital tourism industry and must be vigorously protected. Likewise, Florida’s natural springs and waterways must be protected from fertilizer and septic runoff. This will require compromise between landowners, the agriculture industry and government. These recreational and potable water sources must be protected to assure clean drinking water for our future generations."[1]

Fairness and Equality for All: Excerpt: "Stewart has been a tireless advocate fighting to end discrimination and create opportunity for all people in Orange County, regardless of race, creed, gender, religion, or sexual orientation."[1]

Public Transit: "For the future of our state, we must invest in world-class public transportation, high-speed and light rail, and safe pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure and encourage the use of fuel-efficient and electric vehicles. Offering more transportation options and emphasizing networks of service will reduce pollution and health risks to our most vulnerable citizens — our children and seniors. Air pollution from cars and trucks aggravates asthma and other diseases, and as our population ages, we need to have an efficient public-transit system in place for seniors who can no longer drive. Safe pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure are critical pieces of our transportation system. Efficient public transportation would also reduce transportation costs for Floridians. Studies show that transportation is the second highest expense for families following housing. Low-income families without access to public transit might spend significant portions of their income on transportation. A quality public transportation system decreases these costs."[1]

Campaign donors

Comprehensive donor information for Stewart is available dating back to 2012. Based on available campaign finance records, Stewart raised a total of $158,890 during that time period. This information was last updated on May 29, 2013.[3]